Welcome to SWLA Master Naturalists Talks

Volunteer for a Christmas Bird Count!
​Christmas Bird Count is taking place all over the state.  Get out there and VOLUNTEER for one or more Christmas Bird Counts.  This is a great way to earn volunteer credit and perform some very important citizen science.  The Christmas Bird Count is a valuable source of data that helps with conservation efforts.  See you at one of the Counts!

SLMN President' said:
Finally the cooler weather has reached Louisiana, and it’s much easier to get outside. We’re getting close to Christmas Bird Count (CBC) season, and I want to encourage everyone to get out and take part in at least one CBC. Don’t worry if you don’t know your birds! CBC compilers generally pair inexperienced birders with experienced ones so you won’t be thrown to the wolves. It’s really easy as a naturalist to get caught up gathering data for all sorts citizen science projects. Remember to just go out there and observe nature for yourself also. The easiest way to improve your naturalist skills is to go outside, observe organisms, and take notes (draw them too if you’re willing or able). I’ve had weeks or months pass without doing any birding that wasn’t related to my job or some other obligation. After a while of feeling stuck in a rut, I realized that I hadn’t been out birding for fun in ages. For me, birding is a restorative activity, and I bet being out in nature similar for many of you. So, please take part in citizen science (iNaturalist, eBird, Christmas Bird Count, etc.) But remember to go out there and observe for fun. Make notes and progress in your naturalist skills. You can always submit your observations to iNaturalist or eBird after the fact!
See ya’ll in January
​Irvin Louque